Sampling And Testing 

If you have some material you suspect may contain asbestos, we can test it for you and provide an IANZ Accredited report. Testing usually takes a few days depending on how busy we are. An urgent* analysis service is available at a higher cost per sample. Don't forget to supply us with your email address for prompt delivery of your analysis reports. 

A sampling form must be completed and sent with the samples. Each sample must be placed in plastic bags and sealed. Please double bag each individual sample. Only a small amount of material is required (approximately 5cm diameter / 2x3cm / 1xtablespoon). Each sample should be in its own separate bag and double bagged. DO NOT place the sample form inside the bag with the sample, and never use staples. You can deliver, post or courier your sample to us for testing. 

Paying for Testing - We have a Credit Card/Debit Card/Eftpos facility on site that can be used, or we can invoice you for electronic payment. Sample Analysis - $80.50 Inc GST  per sample, discounts for larger numbers of samples and our regular clients is available, please email us with your requirements).

Please refer to our terms and conditions before ordering any of our services. By ordering any of our services you agree to be bound and governed by our terms and conditions of purchase, to the exclusion of all other terms and conditions you may purport to apply. The Ministry of Health also provides information on asbestos and testing for members of the public. Contact your local Health Protection Team at the local Te Whatu Ora Public Health Unit.

Taking a Sample

It may not always be necessary to have a person specialising in asbestos take a sample for you. The following items can be sampled by an adult with care! Repiratory protection (RPE) is recommended. If you are not sure, please give us a call. Any trades engaged by a homeowner or company becomes a PCBU, the requirements of The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 do apply and when refurbishment is planned a survey is recommended, even in homes.  

Even when using RPE care needs to be taken to prevent creating any dust, which may contain asbestos fibres. Wash all utensils under running water and wipes immediately after use. If any material drops on the carpet or floor, DO NOT VACUUM or SWEEP, clean up all debris with a damp cloth. Dispose of cloth after use. All samples should be placed in sealed plastic bag and double bagged. Small zip lock bags are ideal. If you prefer us to take the sample, please send an email with your details. As mentioned below soil samples are a little different, please contact us by email or phone to discuss soil sample collection.

Textured Plaster Ceilings/Walls

Find an area that has been damaged or take from a discreet area, such as under a light shade, smoke alarm, or in the corner of the room. Dampen the area with water to prevent dust. Gently scrape a tablespoon full of the textured material off the ceiling with a flat edge, ensuring the 'pimply' or textured part of the plaster is included, you should do this in 3-5 different areas of the material you'd like tested.  Its ok to combine rooms, but if the material looks different it should be sampled and tested separately. NOTE: We do not need the gib underneath the textured material.

Flooring: Vinyl Floor Coverings or Linoleum Tiles

Dampen an area, using scissors or a craft knife, cut off a piece about the size of a 2x3 cm2 approximately or 5cm diameter. Ensure that vinyl floor covering samples include the papery backing material which usually remains stuck to the floor as this is often where the asbestos is found. A wide range of flooring materials including adhesives, screeds & levelling compounds, terrazzo, and felt backings under carpets can also contain asbestos. 

Cement Sheet

Find an area that has been damaged or a discreet corner of the material. Dampen the material with water to prevent dust, use a piece of baby wipe in your pliers and break off a portion the size of an old 50 cent piece - 2x3cm.

Dust Sample - Swab

Ideally come and pick up a "Ghost Wipe" from our lab to use first, or we can post one out to you. The Ghost Wipe is a wipe that dissolves on digestion during the analytical stage. If thats not practical, please use a damp facial tissue (NOT a baby wipe). Unfold the wipe or tissue and gently wipe over dust surface, folding in the dust and continuing to wipe over the surface area you want to test. Place the used wipe or tissue inside a plastic bag and seal.

Soil Samples

There is a lot of discussion around soil sampling for asbestos and subsequent analysis methodologies at present. Collecting soil samples should follow good practice methodologies; BRANZ Asbestos in Soil and The Land Contamination Assessment Guidelines published by the Ministry for the Environmental (MfE). Sampling for asbestos in soils should be carriied out by suitably experienced personal, please contact us if you think your soil has been contaminated with asbestos to discuss the procedures. Click to read more about what the appropriate methods for Soil Sample Analysis.